MASKNE - What is it and how to prevent

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, wearing a face mask has become part of our daily routine. But with this necessary safety step, a new skin issue is, well, popping up: “maskne.” The name is pretty self-explanatory: acne caused by wearing a mask. 

Maskne doesn’t simply cause pimples. It may also result in skin issues including redness, bumpiness, and irritation.

If for you the struggle with maskne is only too real right now, you’re not alone. Here are a few tips on how to get your skin back under control.

The science behind maskne

You already have oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells on your skin. But when you wear a mask, these substances can build up more and block your pores.

When you breathe or talk, your mask tends to trap in a lot of hot air. This air creates a warm, humid environment — and an ideal setting for bacteria.

It’s the perfect breeding ground for not only an increase in sebaceous secretion but also inflammation, pimples and extreme dryness. In other words, our protective skin barrier is compromised and weak.

Acne, isn’t the only skin condition reported by mask wearers. Other common face mask skin problems include:

• Allergic contact dermatitis – Some manufactured masks may contain a chemical that causes an allergic reaction. Formaldehyde and bronopol can be found in polypropylene surgical masks.
• Seborrheic dermatitis – It causes scaly plaques, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff.

How to prevent maskne

“Prevention is better than cure.” Take these simple steps to help treat, prevent and protect skin... 

1. Always Wash your face

Use a gentle cleanser and rinse with lukewarm water. When you cleanse your face, you’re removing makeup, dust, pollution and any SPF lotions or creams applied and removing any excess dirt, sweat and sebum. If this layer of the day is left behind, dirt and oil builds up, eventually blocking our pores and causing breakouts. 

2. Use clay masks to Draw Out Impurities 

Face masks can help absorb excess oils, open clogged pores, and reduce inflammation. Have strong absorbent power and effectively adhere to the skin. Can also absorb the skin’s secretions. 

Our Carolina Mask, with clay base, has the ability to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores with gentle exfoliation & slightly gritty texture.

Combines mineral rich detoxifying clays, with natural plant actives and activated charcoal to deeply cleanse, detoxify and purify skin. It is suitable for most skin types including combination and acne-prone skin.⠀

3. GET A HEALTHY SKIN BARRIER

Microbiome it’s just as important as other valid skincare movements. In fact, recent studies show just how crucial our cutaneous microbiome’s role is in skin health and why it shouldn’t be overlooked if we want a healthy, glowing complexion. A compromised cutaneous microbiome means a weakened skin barrier that can allow inflammation, redness, peeling and even infections.

Healthy skin barrier is important to us as a skincare brand. For that reason, we have include ‘Saccharide Isomerate’ and 'preBIULIN FOS™' to our product MARIA.

Our serum contributes to a health barrier function and restoring to help skin hold in its own natural moisture.